7 Reasons to Use the Opera Web Browser on Linux

Cross-Platform, Widgets, Spell-checker

July 6, 2010

By
Eric Geier

Firefox is a great open source web browser for Linux and other OSes, but have you checked out Opera?

The Opera web browser runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. You'll also find its available on many mobile phones and devices. Yes, its closed source, but its still free. Plus its packed with some great features. Right now we're going to look at six of them, not really in any particular order.

It has its own spell checker

If you're a long time IE user, this just might be one of your favorite features. Unlike IE, Opera has a spell checker built right into the browser. So any forms or text boxes you fill out or type in will be spell checked. No more spelling goofs on comments you leave or postings to Facebook, Twitter, and other sites.

Just like in MS Word or OOo Writer, misspelled words in forms and text boxes are underlined with a red squiggly line. To see possible replacements, simply right-click on the misspelled word. If it's something unique, you can add it to the dictionary or ignore it. If you prefer, you can even disable the spell checker, just right-click on the text box and deselect the Check Spelling option.

Multiple platforms and devices are supported

Opera isn't just for Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. Their web browser is also available on many mobile phones and devices, including BlackBerry, iPhone/iPod/iPad, Windows Mobile, and Android. You'll also find their browser on Nintendo DSi and Wii.

Opera Widgets save you time

Opera features its own desktop widget solution, much like Screenlets and gDesklets in Linux or Desktop Gadgets in Windows Vista and 7. However unlike other solutions, these are universal widgets and can run on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Their widget library contains more than a thousand little gadgets or apps. Here are a few you might want to check out: